The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for a review of the maternity protection policy in Borno and Yobe States to help mothers breastfeed their infants exclusively for six months.
Phuong T, Nguyen, the Chief of Field Office in northeast Nigeria said this on Monday during a briefing to herald the World Breastfeeding Week in Maiduguri.
According to Nguyen, more than 75 per cent of children in Yobe State and 58 per cent in Borno State do not enjoy exclusive breastfeeding, an important measure that could protect them from preventable diseases and death.
“As I speak, too many newborns are missing out on the advantages of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding in their first six months of life.
“This is unacceptable. Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding with zero water for six months are child protection measures which contribute greatly to their wellbeing and set them up for higher achievements in life.
“We must therefore improve sensitization and enlightenment on the benefits of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding in communities and health facilities.
“We must initiate policies that support women, especially displaced mothers to sustain exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months.
“We must work with influential personalities, including religious and traditional leaders, men and women groups to promote the benefits of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding.
Acknowledging that more than 97 per cent of children in Borno State and 61 per cent in Yobe State are breastfed, the UNICEF Chief said late initiation of breastfeeding and not exclusively breastfeeding infants are denying them the full benefits of breastfeeding.
“Early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding with zero water for six months and continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond are important links in one nutritional chain that must remain unbroken to deliver full benefits.
They are all linked and together, they confer formidable protection from infections, reduce infant mortality, facilitate bonding between mothers and newborns and lay a foundation for brain and physical development,’’ she said.
